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The Best American Made Pocket Knives

Growing up in the Rockies, I've carried a pocket knife since I was boy. A good knife is an essential outdoors tool. Fortunately there are thousands of excellent knives made in the USA. Each person has their own particular preferences... My personal preferences for an everyday carry (EDC) folding knife include having an unserrated blade between 3 and 4 inches long, a comfortable handle, weighing less than 4.5oz, easy one-handed opening and closing (except for traditional knives), a strong lock, and a good quality blade steel with a great heat treatment. High end materials like titanium, carbon fiber, and high end steels are icing on the cake. I've included both high end and affordable production knives to suit a range of budgets.

ZT Sinkevich 0450CF & 0450

I love the sleek Sinkevich design, premium materials, and craftsmanship. The ZT 0450CF weighs a scant 2.45 oz. yet provides a capable 3.25" blade made of awesome CPM-S35VN steel. The blade detent, ball bearing pivot, frame lock, and flipper combine perfectly for a fast, silky smooth flipping action. The handle scales on the 0450CF are carbon fiber on one side and titanium on the other, while both scales on the 0450 model are titanium. Two green back spacers on the 0450CF and red back spacers on the 0450 add a subtle and classy accent of color. I doubt you can find find a better premium knife for under $200... or for twice as much. If you like larger knives, ZT provides the similar 0452CF sporting a 4.1" blade, which I also own and frequently carry.Last price range observed: $180-200​ZT 0450CFClick for Current Pricing from Amazon.comClick for Current Pricing from BladeHQ.comClick for Current Pricing from GPKnives.com

Spyderco Manix 2 S110V

​​If you prize a vault like grip and incredible edge retention, this is the knife for you. The ergonomic design, non-slip G-10, and extensive jimping make this an incredibly grippy knife. I love Spyderco's ball bearing lock and the 3.37" S110V blade holds a sharp edge like a heavyweight champ... not a chump. The S110V Manix 2 weighs 4.1 oz.Last price range observed: $140-160​Manix 2 with S110V SteelClick for Current Pricing from Amazon.comClick for Current Pricing from BladeHQ.comClick for Current Pricing from GPKnives.com

Benchmade 781 Anthem

​The Benchmade Anthem's claim to fame is its solid one piece titanium handle. The Anthem has an elegant but rugged design sporting a 3.5" blade composed of premium CPM-20CV steel. Like most Benchmades, the Anthem has a silky smooth axis lock. However, novelty does come at a price. The Benchmade Anthem is an awesome tool but this awesomeness puts a dent into wallets at just over $400. The Anthem weighs 3.66 oz. Last price range observed: $425-500

Benchmade Osborne 940-1 Carbon Fiber

​The Osborne 940 is a classic for a reason.​ I love the original 940 with its slender aluminum handles, an axis lock, and a 3.5" reverse tanto S30V blade. The 940-1 takes things to the next level with carbon fiber scales and premium S90V steel. The 940-1 weighs only 2.44 oz. Note, the original 940 costs significantly less than the 940-1. Both are top end knives.​Last price range observed: $267-290

Case Copperlock

​Yes, this one's a little different than the ultra-modern knives on this list, but it too is a favorite of mine. The Navy Blue Bone Copperlock is an exceptionally classy yet capable traditional knife. ​​Long ago I inherited my Grandfather's Case knife, and I expect to pass my Case Copperlock down when it comes time. The Copperlock has a 3.25" easy to sharpen polished stainless blade, polished bolsters, a lock back, and beautiful blue bone scales. This shiny work of art only weighs 3.33 oz. Last price range observed: $46.90-65​Click for Current Pricing from Amazon.comClick for Current Pricing from BladeHQ.com​​Click for Current Pricing from GPKnives.com

Benchmade Griptilian 551-1

​The Griptilian is another widespread classic from Benchmade.​ Like it's name indicates, this knife is exceptionally ergonomic. The Griptilian 551-1 is a more refined upgrade to the original and still excellent Griptilian. The 551-1 has a 3.45" CPM-20CV steel blade, G-10 handles, deep carry clip, Axis lock, blue anodized spacers for a little pop of color, and weighs 4.1 oz. Benchmade also makes a smaller version, the 556-1.​Last price range observed: $178-200

Kershaw Skyline

​Another lightweight ​knife with an incredibly ergonomic handle, but this one's wallet friendly. In fact, this is my favorite budget knife. I really like the 3.125" Sandvik 14C28N steel blade, and the G-10 handle practically locks into my hand even without jimping. It has a thinner blade than many, but it slices better as a result and is still capable of accomplishing any task a pocket knife should be used for. The Skyline weighs a scant 2.5 oz. Kershaw also makes a slightly pricier Skyline with a damascus blade.Last price range observed: $37-45

Kershaw Knockout

​For those who prefer a spring assisted knife for an auto-like action, the Kershaw Knockout is the stand out choice. I love the style and ergonomics of the Knockout. It earns its name from a "knocked-out" portion of its aluminum handle replaced with a stainless steel lock bar. The steel lock bar functions more or less like a frame lock. The Knockout sports a fantastic yet affordable 3.25" Sandvik 14C28N blade and weighs 3.8 oz.Last price range observed: $60-70

Kershaw Link

​​The Link is another great budget choice from Kershaw and is the least expensive on this list. Like the Knockout, the Link has a spring assisted blade. It has a quality 3.25" 420HC blade that will perform adequately and sharpen easily. The aluminum handled version weighs 4.7 oz while a nylon handled version weighs 4.2 oz.Last price range observed: $26.41-50

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